“Of course, I came” she replied. Without thinking Tina placed a soft kiss on Bette’s lips and then her eyes moving to her cheeks and then back to her lips. Bette’s lips were the softest, she’d ever kiss yet the kiss felt so strong even though it only lasted a few seconds.

When she pulled back Bette’s eyes were close, she licked her lips then reopened her eyes.

“I wanted to kiss you and make it better.”

The brightest smile appeared on Bette’s face. It did hurt but smiling for Tina was worth any pain.

She let go off Bette as she searched through the bag she’d brought. Witnessing the beating Bette had received, she’d come prepare with two canteens of water one with hot water and the other with cold and a cloth and some cake and cookies.

“Here” she gave Bette the cookies and cake to eat then the cool water to drink. When Bette was finished with her treat Tina opened the canteen with water she heated that’s why she’d taken so long, she’d to sneak it out. Not wanting to alert anyone at the inn of her late night rendezvous with Bette. She dipped the cloth in the water and then pressed it to Bette’s swollen eye. She cleaned as much as she could before the water got bloodied and cold due to the chill in the night’s air.

“What have I done to receive your kindness, T” Bette asked. Her eyes pleading with Tina for the truth, a truth she hoped was the same as her growing feelings for the blonde.

“I was sent here to save you”

This puzzled Bette even though the answer made her feel safe and wanted by this beautiful white woman. Why would this stranger want to save her?

“Why” she croaked out.

“I can’t explain it to you right now, but I promise I will when the time is right”

Bette nodded, she trusted Tina for some unknown reason.

They continued to hold each other Bette was playing with silky golden locks while Tina traced the outline of her lips. Bette felt Tina’s breath on her arms; it made her get goose pimples. Both knew their time together was counting down but they refused to let go of the other.